Sydney to Host 2027 Rugby World Cup Final

Sydney’s 83,000-seat Olympic Stadium will host the 2027 Rugby World Cup final, World Rugby and the local organizing committee announced on Thursday.

Sydney will also host five pool matches, two round-of-16 matches, two quarterfinals, both semifinals and the bronze match in addition to the tournament finale. World Rugby also announced six other host cities for the 24-team tournament scheduled to run from Oct. 1 to Nov. 13, 2027: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth and Townsville will play host to matches for the expanded tournament.

“The selection of these incredible host cities reflects our commitment to bring Rugby World Cup to as many Australians as possible and maximize the tournament’s positive impact and sporting legacy in all host communities,” said Brett Robinson, World Rugby chair. “Australia’s iconic cities and rich culture will create an extraordinary atmosphere for fans and players alike, uniting an entire nation for six unforgettable weeks. We look forward to working with host cities to make this tournament one for the ages.”

Match assignments were made for Melbourne (seven pool matches and two round-of-16 matches), Brisbane (six pool matches, two round-of 16 matches and two quarterfinals), Perth (five pool matches, including the tournament opener, and two round of 16 matches), and Adelaide (five pool matches). Newcastle, and Townsville will host four pool matches each.

Australia last hosted the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2003 (losing in the finals to England) and co-hosted the inaugural tournament in 1987 with New Zealand. Organizers said they expected 250,000 international visitors over the tournament’s six-week run.

Australia will host the British and Irish Lions tour mid-year and also stage men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups before Brisbane hosts the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games.

“Rugby World Cup is among the planet’s biggest sporting events and Australia is incredibly excited to welcome the world to the 2027 edition,” said Phil Waugh, Rugby Australia chief executive. “Australia has a rich history of hosting major tournaments — indeed, we co-hosted the first ever Rugby World Cup almost 40 years ago — and I have no doubt this event will captivate and enthrall the hundreds of thousands attending in-stadium and the hundreds of millions viewing around the world.”

Four countries have won the World Cup trophy. South Africa became the first to win it four times when the Springboks beat New Zealand in France in 2023. New Zealand has won it three times, Australia twice and England once.